ZooLights

Lincoln Park Zoo comes to life with a wonderful light show to accompany the animals in their exhibits. Open almost every night until the beginning of January, the zoo turns into a new atmosphere for the holidays. The first 1,000 patrons each night receive trippy glasses to experience the lights in full effect.

Dec. 8–23, 26–31; Jan. 1–7, 2018

Lincoln Park Zoo

Free Admission

Internet Photo

The Buttcracker: A Nutcracker burlesque

Take your nutcracker ballet and shove it this year - Tom Boi Theatricals are putting on a special show for the outlandish Chicago crowd. The burlesque features sword balancers, fire spinning, drag, and magic. The show sounds like a perverted playground sure to make the most prudish crowd bust a nut.

Wednesday Dec. 13, Dec. 20, 8 p.m.

Uptown Underground

$25 General Admission,$30 at door

Internet Photo

No pants subway ride

The city of Chicago is in for a treat on Jan. 7 of next year - citizens traveling the CTA system, without pants. Improv Everywhere puts on the event each January, urging people worldwide to participate in riding their local subway systems in gloves, hats, and scarves, but missing the vital piece of clothing. This is usually done on the Red Line of the CTA, as passengers who arrive are urged not to take notice of one another and act natural.

All day Jan. 7 - Chicago CTA

Free Admission

Internet Photo

Lana Del Rey

With a long history of choking on SNL and being a “daddy-issues” artist, Lana Del Rey is making her rounds on the Lust for Life tour. Her stop at the United Center in Chicago on Jan. 11 will be filled with floral crowns, eyeliner wings, and puff-puff pass sessions.